Head of Legal & Company Secretary

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:  Head of Legal & Company Secretary (Ghana & Francos)           

Job Location:  Head Office

Reports To: General Secretary, West Africa                                         

Purpose of the Job:         

The Head of legal and company secretary  will enable the company to achieve its business objectives in a legally compliant manner while identifying and leveraging commercial opportunities through sound legal practices. This role is crucial in safeguarding the company’s financial and reputational value by minimizing risks related to value leakage and litigation and ensuring adherence to relevant laws and company’s Compliance policies.  You will also promote and embed best practices in corporate governance in addition to building strong relationships with key company stakeholders. 

Job Responsibilities

Contract Analyses and Reviews

• Conduct thorough analyses and reviews of contracts to ensure compliance with legal standards and company policies.
• Identify potential risks and provide recommendations for mitigating them.
• Negotiate contract terms with external parties to safeguard the company’s interests.

Litigation Portfolio Management

• Oversee the company’s litigation portfolio, tracking all ongoing and potential litigation cases.
• Proactively follow up on cases to expedite their resolution.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel and internal stakeholders to develop and implement effective litigation strategies.

Legal Advice to Internal Business Stakeholders

• Provide expert legal advice to management and key departments on a wide range of issues.
• Assist in the development and implementation of business strategies by ensuring legal compliance.
• Act as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders, helping them navigate complex legal matters.

Relationship Management with Regulatory Authorities and Government Agencies

• Maintain and manage relationships with regulatory authorities and government agencies.
• Ensure the company complies with all relevant regulations and legal requirements.
• Represent the company in discussions and negotiations with regulatory bodies.

Compliance Policies, Implementation, and Management

• Develop, implement, and manage compliance policies to ensure the company adheres to legal and regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions.
• Cascade, embed and drive compliance of company’s compliance policies.

Corporate Governance Management

• Oversee corporate governance practices to ensure the company operates with integrity and transparency.
• Develop and implement governance policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance regulations and best practices.

Company Secretary Responsibilities

• Serve as the secretary to the Board and its committees.
• Organize and manage all statutory meetings, including board and shareholder meetings.
• Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and other relevant documents.

Lands & Properties Management

• Manage the company’s lands and properties, ensuring they are used efficiently and effectively.
• Oversee property transactions, including acquisitions, leases, and disposals.
• Ensure compliance with property-related legal and regulatory requirements.

General Legal Support

• Provide legal support for any other business activities as required.
• Assist in the development and implementation of legal strategies to support business objectives.
• Stay updated on legal developments and advise the company on potential impacts.

Support for Business Growth Agenda

• Support the company’s growth agenda by providing legal guidance on new business initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with business expansion.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure legal compliance in all growth-related activities.

Ensuring Compliance with Food and Safety Regulations

• Strengthen the company’s assets and licenses to operate by ensuring compliance with food and safety regulations.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure total compliance with production standards.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.

Communication & Working Relationships

Internal Relations: All employees and affiliated companies

External Relations: Regulators, Government Agencies, Board members, Shareholders, Vendors, Customers,

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities “Competencies”:

• LAW & Legal practices 
• Good Litigation management skills 
• Good insights and initiative in business solutions 
• Result-oriented management skills
• Exhibits teamwork abilities

Education/Trainings/Experience:

• LAW Masters Degree – 1st Degree in Law
• Minimum of 10  years experience in practicing LAW  with atleast 5 years  experience as Company Secretary

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Strict adherence to corporate governance topics
• Litigation Management Reporting OTIF
• Appropriate Risk Mitigation plans deployment
• Ensures no failure on claims
• Ensures all Compliance policies are in place  
• Regulatory environment shaped to enable the company growth
• Successful management of court cases
• Company lands and properties secured